PUFFERFISH:

For first time visitors and others who may not be aware of this danger, it is important to note that the pufferfish caught locally here and also up and down the Baja California Peninsula are POISONOUS and can cause death if ingested.  There have been deaths over the years from people eating these fish, unaware of the danger.  Pufferfish are caught in shallow water, often when casting from shore.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EAT THIS TYPE OF FISH!

click here to view a photo of the bulleseye puffer...

Thank you to www.baja.divebums.com & Ellen Fenstermacher for allowing use of her bullesye puffer photo.

STINGRAYS:

Stingrays are most prevalent in the months of March and April, but can be present ANY time. They can be found in the shallows throughout the bay, including the Islands.  Be especially cautious when entering the water at LOW tide.  

How to avoid getting stung:  Do what they call the "Stingray Shuffle".  Shuffle your feet along the bottom as opposed to taking steps.  This often alerts the rays to your presence and the shuffling motion usually causes them to swim away when contact is made.  It's when you step on top of the ray's body that the sting occurs.  It's actually more of a stabbing motion of the jagged barb.

What to do if you get stung:   Immerse your foot in hot water, as hot as you can stand it without burning your skin.  The hot water acts as a nuetralizing agent.  Do this until removing your foot from the hot water results in little or greatly subsided pain.

---- DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT! ----

It is strongly recommended that you AVOID driving at night.  The narrow highway is treacherous enough during the daylight hours; the night brings added hazards such as: